... providing high-quality basic and applied information to address the growing
ecological degradation of coastal ecosystems. Using state-of-the-art instrumentation
and methodologies, conducting a wide spectrum of biogeochemical analyses relating
to water quality, nutrient related ecological health and coastal pollution with an
emphasis on public outreach and education.
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Science Based Management for the Restoration and Protection of
Massachusetts’ Estuarine Resources...

The Estuaries Project, through the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, School
of Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) is providing the scientific and technical
support to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the
development and implementation of policies on nitrogen sensitive embayments.
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Marine Renewable Energy

CSP scientists also have been using a broad suite of tools and investigative approaches to characterize sites in near shore waters relative to their viability for generation of renewable energy from tidal/ocean currents and waves.
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Denitrification in the sediment of saltmarsh

Denitrification, the microbial conversion of nitrate (NO3-) to N2 gas, plays an
important role in the saltmarsh N cycle and in regulating the availability of
N to primary producers.
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Eelgrass distribution and water quality

Eelgrass is sensitive to overall water quality conditions and particularly nitrogen levels,
typically inhabiting areas of low nutrient loading and organic matter inputs. To assess
ecological shifts within West Falmouth Harbor temporal changes in eelgrass distribution
were determined.
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Volunteer monitoring program

Coastal Systems Program currently provides technical assistance to Volunteer and Research
Monitoring Programs covering over 50 Massachusetts embayments state-wide.
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